[SCA]

"Interesting exterior details - like xenons headlamps-in conjunction with a well-executed skin make the redesigned 3 Series the best-looking , most complete car in the entire BMW lineup"

"The steering is also similar to that of 3 Series of old, enjoyably quick and precise, though feedback is not quite as rich and communicative as that found in the late 90's E36 model, a car that's one of our all-time favorites."

"We had plenty of time for some hard driving. Our impressions? While the engine's power development could be best described as solid, not breathtaking (the new M3 should fill this void), it does provide some additional gusto above 5000 rpm. Sadly, we clocked a best 0-60-mph time of 6.2 seconds - actually 0.1 sec. slower than the last BMW 330i we tested (July 2002). But it's the improved handling that really makes the 330i shine."

"We may miss the sensational steering feel of the E36 3 Series from a couple of generations ago, but that's really about it. The latest BMW 330i sedan makes us appreciate that the advancement of the automobile, like time doesn't stand still."

[David328M-Sport]

What do you think. Should they re test the car after a few thousand kms are on the clock and all the bits have seated properly? I think they would have some improved times in a straight line.

It also seems to me that they were/are expecting a very high level of everything from the car - and rightly so! Just like all of us expect.

Maybe they need to spend some more time with the car as well.

Anyway, that being said, I cannot wait for my 325 e90!!! I will just adjust to the changes.

[bookman2]

I agree, they should take an E90 for one of their long term tests in which they keep the car from 6 months to 1 year. A BMW is not really a BMW right out of the box. Try that 0-60 after 4000 miles. By the way, the guys at Car & Driver got a 0-60 of 5.6 out of their E90. A great deal depends on the driver and road conditions.

[SCA]

BTW, the car they had was Ti. Silver with Black leather, SP, PP, Satellite Radio, and 6 speed.

0-60: 6.2

0-1/4 Mile: 14.9 sec

Braking 60-0: 116ft.

Later accel (200 ft. skidpad): 0.83g

Fuel Econonmy: 16.5 MPG

Speed through 700ft. Slamon: 66.6 MPH w/ mild understeer

Interior Noise: Idle in neutral: 53 dBA

Max in 1st gear: 86 dBA

Constant 50 MPH: 74 dBA

Constant: 70 MPH: 74 dBA

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by SCA

BTW, the car they had was Ti. Silver with Black leather, SP, PP, Satellite Radio, and 6 speed.

0-60: 6.2

0-1/4 Mile: 14.9 sec

Braking 60-0: 116ft.

Later accel (200 ft. skidpad): 0.83g

Fuel Econonmy: 16.5 MPG

Speed through 700ft. Slamon: 66.6 MPH w/ mild understeer

Interior Noise: Idle in neutral: 53 dBA

Max in 1st gear: 86 dBA

Constant 50 MPH: 74 dBA

Constant: 70 MPH: 74 dBA

First let me say that while these test results aren't completely disappointing to me, I am a little bit concerned.

In checking the July 2002 issue of R&T I noticed that the E46 330i had no Premium Package, although it did have Leather & Xenons. I don't know if the 2006 Premium package would add any more weight but, its something to consider. Also, they do not mention if the E46 was "brand new out of the box", while I'm guessing that the E90 was. The E46 also had M wheels and an aero-package, which I guess came with the E46 Sports Package.

All in all, one thing I can think of is that maybe these run-flat tires manage to weigh down the car more than we imagined? A very potential culprit, if nothing else. It has also been noted that the E90 tested by Car & Driver was European spec and, we all know that BMW had a little problem with their model "nomenclature'' and engine displacement, so maybe the U.S version of the E90 has a bit of a difference.

[SCA]

Originally Posted by RichReg

First let me say that while these test results aren't completely disappointing to me, I am a little bit concerned.

In checking the July 2002 issue of R&T I noticed that the E46 330i had no Premium Package, although it did have Leather & Xenons. I don't know if the 2006 Premium package would add any more weight but, its something to consider. Also, they do not mention if the E46 was "brand new out of the box", while I'm guessing that the E90 was. The E46 also had M wheels and an aero-package, which I guess came with the E46 Sports Package.

All in all, one thing I can think of is that maybe these run-flat tires manage to weigh down the car more than we imagined? A very potential culprit, if nothing else. It has also been noted that the E90 tested by Car & Driver was European spec and, we all know that BMW had a little problem with their model "nomenclature'' and engine displacement, so maybe the U.S version of the E90 has a bit of a difference.

I believe the E46 330i they tested in July 2002 was equipped with the Performance Pkg. = 235hp.

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by SCA

I believe the E46 330i they tested in July 2002 was equipped with the Performance Pkg. = 235hp.

Nope.
I've got the test right in front of me. Its where they compared about 10 different Sport sedans.
The G35 sedan took first place, price dependent.
However most of the staff preferred the 330i, regardless of price.

[Thomas]

Strange that they think that the E36 is so sporty.. Here in Europe the automotive press thinks the E36 is the least sporty of the three generations (E30, E36 and E46), especially the M3 is too soft.. I've read a test were they said that the E36 M3 doesn't deserve the M-badge..

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by RichReg

Nope.
I've got the test right in front of me. Its where they compared about 10 different Sport sedans.
The G35 sedan took first place, price dependent.
However most of the staff preferred the 330i, regardless of price.

The July 2002 wasn't the performance pkg (Per Pkg not out until 2003). I do remember reading when they tested the 330i ZHP against the 2002 car, the 2002 car still was faster. I think that 2002 car may have been early production run or just an anomoly(sp?). Plus both cars in this test are manuals. There has to be margin of error for the shifting of gears.

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by Socom

The July 2002 wasn't the performance pkg (Per Pkg not out until 2003). I do remember reading when they tested the 330i ZHP against the 2002 car, the 2002 car still was faster. I think that 2002 car may have been early production run or just an anomoly(sp?). Plus both cars in this test are manuals. There has to be margin of error for the shifting of gears.

Ya' know, Socom, I'd like to believe that. I'd also like to believe that I'm getting my car before the 4th of July, but there are no guarantees even though it arrived portside on the 19th. Who knows for sure.....

I'm actually hoping that R&T already had that car on hand & it had some mileage on it, which is quite possible considering 2002 models had been out for at least 3 months prior to that test.

[SCA]

BTW, Curb Weight as tested 3460.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by RichReg

Ya' know, Socom, I'd like to believe that. I'd also like to believe that I'm getting my car before the 4th of July, but there are no guarantees even though it arrived portside on the 19th. Who knows for sure.....

I'm actually hoping that R&T already had that car on hand & it had some mileage on it, which is quite possible considering 2002 models had been out for at least 3 months prior to that test.

I hope you get your car. Don't worry...It will be plenty fast. My ZHP '03 didn't loosen up until afte a few thousand miles.